Tiara

As a class, we were assigned a family to represent when writing letters to the Governor and legislators. We each called our families, and interviewed them to hear their stories and learn how we could properly advocate on their behalf.

I had the honor of speaking to Tiara's mother, a woman who has firm beliefs and is willing to fight on her daughter's behalf. She shared with me Tiara's amazing story, one that I am going to share with you now.

At the age of 17, Tiara was involved in a devastating motor-vehicle accident. She sustained major head trauma that left her close to death. When she arrived at the hospital, the diagnosis was that she would not survive.

However, Tiara pulled through, and will be graduating high school next week, a feat that shocked the doctors who treated her after the accident. With the help of her highschool, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, Tiara has been able to steadily progress.

Imagine what amazing progress she can make if she is able to continue her therapies. She is a fighter, who will be able to achieve great things if she has the tools necessary to progress.

We need to End The Wait Now, so Tiara has the opportunity to reach her full potential.

Introduction Post

During class, I had the idea of starting a blog for the End The Wait campaign. I thought the purpose of the blog could be for us in Dr. Leary's class to post our ideas, reflections, and perhaps eventually our videos on the internet to call attention to the issues that we have been discussing in class. I thought we could focus specifically on Maryland's issues with funding and the waiting list, or just post our general ideas about aiding those with mental and physical disabilities. We all have shared some interesting and amazing stories with one another in class about the families we have spoken to and the research we have done, so now let's share that with everyone else!